Before you buy a bicycle, review bike frame types and materials used in construction. Your budget will also factor into what type of bike frame you should purchase. If you are on a limited budget, you may not be able to afford the better types of frames, such as titanium and carbon. The least expensive frame choices include aluminum alloy and steel.
Carbon Fiber
Frames that use carbon fiber are one of the best choices for cyclists. Carbon fiber frames are less expensive than titanium frames and sturdier. It will not rust and corrode, like steel. Carbon fibers last for long periods of time due to the ability of the metal to bend and still regain its shape.
Steel
Steel frames are strong and can last for long period of time. Steel can sustain cracks and dents without causing major damage to the bike. Steel bike frames also have a high level of defect tolerance. This means the frame still stays safe even when defects occur. The weight of the steel frame depends on the type of steel used during construction. Types include high-tensile steel and chromoly. High-tensile steel bikes weigh more than chromoly versions.
Titanium
Titanium bikes are very expensive, but have a lot of features that appeal to serious road and mountain bike riders. Titanium frames are much lighter than steel frames and have better resiliency when compared to steel. You will never have to upkeep the titanium frame since it will not rust.
Considerations
Besides materials, consider the methods used to make the bike frame. Extended welds are used on low-end bike models. During this process, extra material is added to the end of tubes. Butting is a term used to describe how extra material is placed in areas of stress on the bike. If a frame has gone through double and triple butting, the weight is cut down while still thickening the walls of the frame.
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